SkyFi Audio - Curators of Vintage Audio Gear
SkyFi Audio is a small startup business specializing in the purchase, reconditioning, and reselling of high end audio equipment. We only buy equipment that we admire and are passionate about. No mid-fi, no gimmicks, no junk.
Each piece of equipment is cosmetically restored and fully tested in our well-equipped lab by an engineer with 30+ years of experience in the HiFi world. If it does not meet or exceed the original manufactures specifications, it will not be sold. We are very selective about the equipment we purchase, focusing on mostly analog, high-build quality, American, and European built units.
Through our sister company, which is an authorized dealer for McIntosh, Audio Research, Sonus Faber, ClearAudio, Project, and Sony ES, we have access to OEM parts, service, and support.
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One of the best looking tuners in the vintage market. Originally produced from 1976 - 1978.
It features a gorgeous large & fully working oscilloscope display, along with a backlit dial in typical Marantz colors.
Working as it should after a light service, and ready to tune in your favorite station.
Condition is very respectable considering its age with light signs of aging.
Tech Notes:
On intake testing all functions of this tuner worked. Only minor adjustments needed.
• Adjusted FM oscillators L and C for more accurate dial tracking.
• Adjusted AM oscillator L and C for more accurate dial tracking.
• Scope tested and working.
• AM and FM Dial tracking good after adjustments completed.
• Stereo PASS.
• Stereo Separation PASS.
• Sensitivity PASS.
The SkyFi Testing Process for Tuners:
We start with a visual inspection of all internal components to make sure that there are no signs of heat stress or damage. Capacitors are checked for telltale signs of predictive failure including bulging, shrunken wrappers, or physical leakage. We also inspect the PCBs for discoloration from resistors or transistors that may have been running hot. On vintage units we often spot check select capacitors for value and ESR. Vintage analog tuners also have moving parts related to the tuning gang and dial string. These parts are inspected for smooth operation.
If the unit passes visual inspection it is bench tested for a handful of key performance parameters using a Sencore SG80 AM/FM Stereo Analyzer. The SG80 allows us to “simulate” an ideal radio station using precision test signals instead of music. This device, in conjunction with an oscilloscope allows us to properly evaluate the following parameters:
1. AM Reception (Where Applicable)
2. FM Mono Reception & Tuning Meter Function
3. FM MPX Reception (Stereo)
4. Dial Tracking - How accurately the tuner dial or display indicates the actual frequency of the broadcast being received.
5. Stereo Separation - A properly working stereo tuner will have minimal crosstalk between the left and right channel.
6. Sensitivity & Signal Strength Meter Function - By lowering the output of the SG80 we can simulate weak stations and determine how well the tuner will be able to pull in weak distant stations. This adjustment also helps us verify signal strength meter function.
If the tuner has acceptable performance related to the parameters above we connect the unit for listening tests with a simple dipole antenna. We listen for audio reproduction quality of local stations and evaluate how many stations the tuner can receive while we sweep through the dial. We are looking to verify that the tuner can decode stereo on strong local broadcasts and pick up a wide variety of local stations at the bottom, middle, and top of the frequency band. At this point we also test convenience features such as muting, filters, built in oscilloscope function, etc.
We finish up with an extended listening test on our long term test rig. We tune in a strong local station and monitor for drift over a 2-3 hour period.
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Item |
Included |
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Original Box |
Not Included |
|
Manual |
Not Included |
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Remote |
Not Applicable |
|
Cables |
Yes - Power Only |
|
Physical Condition |
6 / 10 |
|
Working Condition |
10 / 10 |
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PURCHASING GUIDELINES:
1) We do not review or accept any offers that do not go through the official eBay system. We have too many items for sale and it is nearly impossible to keep track of offers outside of the official system. Please do not message, email, or text any offers.
2) All listings are eligible for the eBay Global Shipping Program unless the item exceeds the maximum weight/price requirements to your country. If this is the case simply message us via eBay as we accept bank wire transfers for international payments and frequently ship worldwide via UPS.
3) Please ensure your shipping address is correct within eBay as we will ONLY ship to the eBay/PayPal Confirmed Shipping Address. No exceptions.
4) eBay may charge and collect sales tax to your state/jurisdiction which we have no control over.
SCHEDULING AN APPOINTMENT:
We are currently operating from our shop inside our dedicated building in Glen Rock, NJ.
We’re not a store, so please don’t make an appointment if you’re just curious as to how a speaker or piece of equipment sounds. In essence - no tire kickers please.
You can message us here on eBay with any questions or to schedule an appointment.
We can also arrange to install, calibrate, and tune your newly purchased gear in your listening room if you’re local to our area. This is super useful when purchasing large speakers or heavy amplifiers. It’s also great for ensuring your new turntable is setup correctly in its final resting place.
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